The Retire in BC Podcast

Would you like a FREE one-on-one financial health checkup? Visit https://investwithvision.caWant to get on our mailing list to be notified of new episodes? Sign up on our website: https://retireinbc.ca/ In this episode of The Retire in BC Podcast, Ben and Arnold break down Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) — how they work, how to maximize government grants, and the biggest mistakes families make when saving for post-secondary.They also share a real family story: how a 50/50 cost-sharing approach taught financial responsibility (and changed the way textbooks were bought).Whether you’re saving for a newborn, a teenager, or future grandkids, this episode shows you:• How to get up to $7,200 per child in government grants• Why starting early makes a massive difference• Individual vs Family RESPs (and which is better)• Catch-up rules and hidden flexibility• Key changes that made RESPs MUCH better after 1998Simple. Practical. Powerful.🎧 Perfect for parents, grandparents, and anyone who wants to help the next generation get a head start.

Would you like a FREE one-on-one financial health checkup? Visit https://investwithvision.caWant to get on our mailing list to be notified of new episodes? Sign up on our website: https://retireinbc.ca/ Ready to finally talk INSURANCE without falling asleep? This episode delivers candid stories, wild scenarios, and real tips to protect what matters most! From “do I actually need it?” to “who gets the payout?”, we break down estate planning, life hacks, and financial safety nets with zero boring sales talk. Hit play if you want peace of mind with a side of laughs and insider wisdom!

Would you like a FREE one-on-one financial health checkup? Visit https://investwithvision.caMortgages Demystified: From First Home to Retirement Planning | The Retire in BC PodcastConfused by mortgages? You’re not alone! In this episode, Ben and Arnold Machel break down everything you need to know about mortgages—whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing, or planning for retirement.We cover:What a mortgage really is (hint: it’s just a loan, but with some important twists)Fixed vs. floating rates and how to choose what’s right for youHow banks determine your qualifying amount and interest rateThe power of pre-approvals and how to shop around for the best dealCreative strategies for homeowners, including re-advanceable mortgages, HELOCs, and reverse mortgagesThe difference between land and building value and why it matters for long-term wealthWhether you’re just starting out or have owned homes for decades, this episode is packed with practical advice to help your mortgage work for you—not the other way around.🎧 Tune in and get confident about your mortgage strategy today!

Saving for your first home can feel impossible—but the FHSA might just be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for. In this episode of The Retire in BC Podcast, Ben and Arnold break down how this powerful new account works, how it compares to RRSPs and TFSAs, and why it could nearly double your down payment through tax savings and tax-free growth.We cover: Who’s eligible for an FHSAContribution limits and tax advantagesHow it compares to the RSP Home Buyers’ PlanSmart strategies for young buyers and those on the fenceWhether you’re planning to buy soon or just want to maximize your tax-advantaged savings, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.📌 Listen now and get your first step closer to homeownership in Canada!

“The markets are volatile… should I cash out?”“Is now a good time to invest… or should I wait until things settle down?”If these questions are keeping you up at night — you’re not alone. With everything going on in the world — elections, tariffs, war, recession fears — it feels like the worst time to invest... or is it?In this episode, Ben and Arnold tackle the age-old debate: market timing vs. time in the market. We break down why trying to guess the perfect time to invest almost never works — and why staying invested is the key to long-term success.We cover:✅ Why market timing feels like the smart choice (but usually isn’t)✅ What happens if you miss the market’s best days✅ How we build portfolios designed to weather volatility✅ When it is a good time to invest — and when it isn’t✅ Practical steps to take when markets feel scary

Building a portfolio that supports your retirement goals isn’t about chasing the hottest stock or reacting to headlines — it’s about smart design, strategic diversification, and aligning everything with your time horizon and risk tolerance.In this episode, Ben and Arnold pull back the curtain on what actually goes into constructing a resilient, retirement-ready investment portfolio. 💼We cover:✅ The most important investment decision you’ll ever make (hint: it’s not stock-picking)✅ How much of your portfolio should be in bonds✅ The power of global diversification✅ Why portfolio performance often doesn’t match what the headlines say✅ Practical questions you can ask your advisor to make sure you're on trackWhether you’re managing your own investments or working with an advisor, this is your crash course in portfolio construction done right.

You’ve spent years building up your RRSP... but what happens when it’s time to start withdrawing? In this episode, we break down how your RRSP transforms into a RRIF, when it happens, what the rules are, and how to avoid costly mistakes. If you’re 55+, nearing retirement, or just planning ahead — this is a must-watch.✅ RRSP vs RRIF — what’s the difference?✅ When do you have to convert your RRSP?✅ How much do you have to withdraw each year?✅ And what happens if you don’t plan properly?Don’t leave your retirement income to guesswork — let’s get into it!

💸 TFSA vs RRSP vs Non-Registered: Which Investment Account Is Right for You?Confused about TFSAs, RRSPs, and non-registered accounts? You're not alone — and we've got you covered. In this episode of The Retire in BC Podcast, Ben and Arnold break down how each of these investment vehicles works, the tax perks (and pitfalls), and how to use them to supercharge your savings — whether you're just starting out or nearing retirement.🎯 What we cover:The real reason TFSAs are our favourite accountsRRSP tax hacks (and when to skip them)How non-registered accounts fit into your wealth strategyPro tips for avoiding costly TFSA mistakesWhat U.S. citizens in Canada need to know (yes, it's complicated)💬 Have a question or want us to dive deeper on another account type? Drop it in the comments — we’re listening.